ISDH aims to educate Hoosiers in honor of National STD Awareness Month

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – April is National Sexual Transmitted Diseases Awareness Month.

In honor of the annual observance, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is encouraging Hoosiers to discuss prevention, understand their risks and get tested.

“While most STDs can be treated, they can have damaging health effects, such as infertility in adults or low birth weight in newborns,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “Hoosiers should educate themselves about STDs and ensure they are taking steps to protect themselves and their partners.”

According to a release from the ISDH, there are nearly 20 million occurrences of STDs nationally. Half of all new sexually transmitted infections that occur each year are among youths.

“I encourage all Hoosiers to talk to their doctor about getting tested for STDs and to get tested for HIV at least once in their lifetime,” Dr. Adams said.

For information on ways to prevent STDs, click here to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s STD page.